Fairfax Beginner Voice Instructors

Richard L.

Verified review

I have used Alvin Smithson's services for over five years as a piano tuner, teacher and performer. I am always impressed with his skills, artistry and professionalism. Alvin first came to tune my 100-years old Steinway after it had been neglected for a number of years. He first examined the instrument, diagnosed what needed to be done and then proceeded with his expert tuning. Immediately after he was done and started playing, I was amazed at how good the piano sounded. Alvin explained that with a piano that hasn't been tuned or played in so many years, it will take some time to achieve its best form and sound for which it was built. A short time after, my wife started taking piano lessons from Alvin and as she started gaining proficiency in playing under his guidance, the piano itself gained a rich pleasing sound. Alvin paid close attention and adjusted notes or did a full tuning whenever needed. He also took the time to clean the strings and do minor technical adjustments. When a string needed to be replaced, Alvin recommended a technician from a highly reputable company. Overall, we owe it to his expertise to have the wonderful old piano do what it was built for by the Steinway masters. I should also mention that I heard some great musicians at venues where Alvin is the regular piano tuner. People who visit our house and hear our piano, or play it themselves, always compliment its sound. But the best comes when Alvin himself sits at the keyboard, whether at our house, at a social function or performing in the theater, it's such a joy to hear him play some great classical pieces as well as his own wonderful compositions. He is truly a very talented, sensitive and highly knowledgeable artist. And such a pleasant person, too. My wife and I feel fortunate to have Alvin give us the best piano sound to enjoy live music in our home. I would recommend him to anyone as piano tuner, teacher and overall musician.

Martha C.

Verified review

I have taken voice lessons before, however, never enjoyed the experience as I have with Momma Debbie Kirkland. Momma Debbie has a warm, fun, exciting, inviting, loving, motherly and caring spirit. She is an awesome teacher and singer. I felt major improvements in my breathing and voice dynamics. It has truly been a life changing experience that I will treasure forever and ever. This woman is The Bomb.Com!!!!!!

Urvashi B.

Verified review

Aida studio's is one of the most professional violin studio's in the DC area. Tona, is one of the most inspiring people I have had the privilege to know and brings a tremendous amount of energy and technical skill to her lessons. As an adult learner, she has helped me set goals and provided structure to lessons to channel my creative energy. I would recommend her and Aida Studio's to anyone I know.

Alex B.

Verified review

I started taking voice lessons for the first time at the age of 53 from Sam. My only other musical experiences were singing in a church choir as a teenager and taking piano lessons for a couple of years when I was in middle school. I chose Sam because of his willingness to accept different types of voices and his terrific and positive reviews.
I have never questioned my choice. When I started with Sam, my voice was weak. I could basically carry a tune, but definitely not in a public setting and definitely not one that was outside of the middle-of-the-road range. I took lessons so I could feel more confident in my singing ability and improve my voice. Sam started by teaching me how to breath while singing. Ill admit that it was hard work and not the most exciting, but it has made a huge difference in my ability. My range has been broadened and my voice is much stronger than when I began 8 months ago. During that time we have worked on music theory, rhythm, harmony, different types of music, etc. The key for me is that I have always found Sam very patient and encouraging yet at the same time mindful of the technical expertise needed to improve ones voice. I highly recommend him for someone like me and definitely for anyone who has a more natural musical talent!

Julie R.

Verified review

My son has thoroughly enjoyed his voice lessons. Not only is he receiving great advice to make his voice the best it can be, he's also getting advice on how to prepare for auditions and pick the right song for his voice.

Wendy D.

Verified review

Maddie is a professional. She has natural talent in music/acting and has studied and trained in this area. Lessons with Maddie are like advanced courses! She gets so much accomplished in every lesson. She can play any music, knows so much music and her voice is...amazing--can't get enough. The fact that she has the ability to teach is what sets her apart.

April S.

Verified review

I am so glad I found 4Singers Voice Lessons with Tracy Hamlin. I was in need of some vocal coaching for an audition, with limited time to prepare. Tracy managed to help me work through both songs with ease. She helped me feel completely prepared and more confident than when I first started lessons with her. She is a Godsend and I highly recommend her to anyone wanting to learn or improve their vocal skills.

Craig P.

Verified review

Our daughter, 13, has been taking voice lessons with Keely for almost a year, and has had a terrific experience. Keely has taken the time to get to know our daughter, her strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes, and she makes effective use of the lesson time, finding music our daughter enjoys (musical theater), as well as challenging her with music she might not otherwise have been exposed to. Keely is very encouraging, abounding in patience, and a lot of fun to work with. Our daughter loves her lessons!

Francis G.

Verified review

EXCELLENT VOICE TEACHER: Ive been studying with James McCully for almost a year and have seen a vast improvement in my vocal technique. Im a lawyer by trade, but Ive always wanted to develop my singing voice so I started lessons in my 30s. Ive had a couple of voice teachers in the past, and while they helped me develop my voice, James is taking me to a whole new level. Through my study with James, I can more easily access my top notes -- a must for tenors -- and I am developing strength and ring. I also feel more confident with my singing due to his caring teaching style and his ability to readily address technical issues. His selection of repertoire is thoughtful and reflects a deep understanding and love of music as well as what would work for auditions. Hes also a wonderful piano player, so you have the benefit of a great voice teacher and a skilled accompanist. I always look forward to lessons with James, and I would highly recommend him to any student who is looking to improve his or her technique in a supportive environment.

Patrick O.

Forrest B.

Verified review

Max is a consummate professional. His grasp of theory and vocal knowledge is impressive. He listens intently, is nonjudgmental, instructs with care and caters lessons to your needs. I look forward to a long term coaching relationship.

Christine O.

Verified review

Michelle is providing voice lessons for my daughter and it has been a really positive experience. In just a little over a month my daughter already feels like she has learned a great deal and is more confident in her abilities.

Kathy S.

Verified review

My experience with Mr. Penney is unparalleled and unequal with respect to any other voice teacher I've ever had. I thought a longtime voice teacher was the best until she passed away and I had to find a new teacher. Then I found Mr. Penney and I've never looked back. Everyone noticed a difference in my voice once I started lessons with him. He hears things in your voice like no one else and he is able to translate that into advice and guidance that enables his students of all ages to reach their potential and their goals.

Connie F.

Verified review

She is fantastic! She is patient, funny, and made my daughter feel comfortable. Doc as she likes to be called is a wealth of knowledge and applies scenarios to real life circumstances that my Julia can relate too. She is hard working as she give her full attention to the lessons. My daughter looks up to her and appreciates her encouragement, support and sense of humor. She is a gme and a true find!

Jennifer G.

Verified review

Devin Toma is a patient and thorough vocal instructor. He understands the science of singing, and communicates clearly what he needs the student to do. He introduces one new concept at a time and assures that it is mastered before he moves on. He is also experienced with many vocal styles and aware of current trends in the music world. My son is really enjoying his voice lessons, and is progressing well.

About

Nate Buttram is originally from Camdenton, MO (Lake of the Ozarks). Nate completed his Bachelor of Music-Vocal Concentration in 2014 from Truman State University and received a Masters of Music-Vocal Performance and Literature at the University of Illinois in 2017. Nate has performed several roles, the most recent of which include: Sid in Albert Herring by Benjamin Britten, Nerone in L’incornazione di Poppea by Giancarlo Monteverdi, Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Benjamin Britten, Claudio in Beatrice et Benedict by Hector Berlioz, and Gregorio in Romeo et Juliet by Gounod. He has had experience as a soloist in L’enfant du Christ by Hector Berlioz Carmina Burana by Carl Orff, Mozart’s Mass in C minor KV 427, and Bach’s Cantata KV 728. Nate has been the recipient of many awards including an encouragement award from the Chicago region of the MET Competition in 2016 and multiple awards from the NATS competitions including several 1st place awards in various divisions. Nate was also a National semi-finalist in the NATS competition in 2014.

About

Hello, my name is Jonathan Cole, but you can just call me Jon Cole. I am currently a music education major at Alderson Broaddus University with a focus in voice and piano. I have been taking lessons in both arts for 10 years. I am qualified to teach at a beginner and intermediate level and even advanced in most cases. I would love to teach you or your child, and I certainly don't charge much.
Thank you so much for checking out my profile!

About

I am a cool and modern voice teacher accepting new students (Georgetown/Foxhall/Palisades areas).
I am the previous head of music at a distinguished private school in Washington, D.C.
I hold a master of music degree/am vocally trained in US and Europe.
I am also a published singer/songwriter (recording artist)/music excellence award winner.
Available teaching slots are limited.